Differences Between a White and Red Wine
Besides the grape kind and color, red and white wines differ significantly. Which wine wins the contest between red and white? There isn’t just one solution because it largely depends on your unique likes and tastes. White wine and red wine have many similarities, yet they can differ greatly. Although the fermentation of grapes is the same method used to make both wines, there are some differences.
Here are a few interesting details on the actual distinctions between red and white wines.
Grapes
Usually, when making red wine or white wine the grapes are separated. White wine is produced from white grapes, whereas red wine is made from black grapes. You might think that white grapes generate white juice and black grapes produce red juice, but that is wrong. The clear juice is produced by all grapes. The skin of the black grapes used in the fermentation process gives red wine its color. It’s important to note that black grapes are occasionally used to produce white wine. In some of these cases, the grapes are still pressed into juice before the red or black skins are removed. After the fermentation without the skins, it will then remove its color, including red.
Health Benefits
White wine is the ideal option if you need a low-sugar wine for health or lifestyle reasons. Dry white wines are the best option if you have diabetes, are following the keto diet, or simply want to minimize your sugar intake because they naturally contain less sugar than red. However, there is some good news for red wine fans. Red wine offers its own unique set of health benefits despite having a naturally high level of sugar. The winner between red wine or white wine discussion therefore depends on your individual health state.
Tannins
White wine has much lower tannin levels than red wine since red wine is produced with grape skins is on. Tannins are substances that occur naturally found in plants, particularly in the skins, leaves, and seeds of a fruit. A glass of white wine has a lot of tannins, you can tell because it will feel dry on your tongue after you drink it. Although white wines can also have a similar effect, it happens most frequently with red wines. Specifically tannic wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec.
Food Pairings
Your impression of a bottle of wine can be made or broken by its food pairings. Although it may seem unimportant, a poor wine pairing with some food can really dilute the flavor of your wine. For instance, pairing wine with spicy food can be particularly challenging because powerful spiciness can hide the wine’s delicate tastes and make them taste flat and sluggish. But fatty meals like lamb, pork chops, ribs, and hamburgers go well with red wine. This holds true for a variety of red wines.
However, if you’re not a big fan of red meat, white wine may be a better choice for you. The best food pairing for white wine is a fleshier, fatter fish like Salmon, but this may not always be paired with white wine, especially if it is prepared with a strong mushroom sauce that demands an earthy red.
Key Takeaway
As you will see, there are many things to think about when deciding between white and red wine. Dry white wine is a great choice for individuals trying to cut back on sugar even if red wine has its own health advantages, such as links to decreasing your cholesterol level. In contrast, because red wine pairs so well with red meat, red meant enthusiasts would be advised to stock their wine cellar with a wide variety of red wines. Meanwhile, vegetarians and vegans might discover it is simpler to pair white wine with their meal preferences.